In the last few years, a lot has been said about the so-called "New Generation" music, that is music coming from a much younger generation of Haitian musicians. Among them, we can mention groups like Zin, Lakol etc. This music is sometimes treated with disdain by some who feel that these groups somehow lack the maturity which characterize their older, more experienced predecessors. However, one such group definitely deserves notice I feel. Ti Kabzy is a group of young Haitians in Canada who put out a very nice CD. The title tune (which is also the title of this album) is called "Si m’alé" and this is a very beautiful tune. The lyrics on this album are thoughtful, well written and deal with substantial problems affecting Haitian society. The mixing is good and the Konpa beat is smooth. I hope their second album sounds as nice as this one.

Eric Virgal is from Martinique, but he certainly holds his own with the best Konpa Dirèk group. His latest album "Pawòl ek Mizik" continues the tradition of nice, smooth and laid-back konpa-zouk. There are no big surprise on this album, just your typical Eric Virgal: very recognizable, romantic, an infectious rhythm. For the Virgal’s fans, there is a very nice medley on the album called "Parlons d’amour". Indeed , this is a medley of the romantic’s greatest hits which will bring nostalgia to more than one. This the kind of music that you dance without ever getting tired.

There has been quite a few compilations of Konpa music on CDs in the last few years. . There is on which came out this year which sounds really nice. It is called 100% Lanmou and it compiles some of the best love Konpa tunes. You’ll hear groups like Superstars, Phantoms, Papash; singers like Dadou Pasquet, Alan Cavé etc. The CD’s title is quite justified when you listen to the tunes. Some of these guys seem to carry their hearts on their hands. There is even a tune from Sweet Mickey which sounds pretty nice, believe it or not. The CD is part of the collection entitled: : Les Hits du Konpa. A nice addition to any Konpa collection.

An update

The countdown continues. One more week before the big splash of "Les Ambassadeurs " in Boston on December 19. I understand the whole gang will be present: Ernst, Claude, Ti Plume, Dedy, Pascal and Marc Yves. That should be something else. On December 26, it’s on to Miami.

Another important piece of news in the field of music. I understand that Les Frères Déjean are trying to set up their group again. After spending sometime in Martinique teaching some of those guys how to play music, they are back in Haiti, actively working, I understand, to come back. I will let you know if indeed this happens.

I also understand that it toward mid-December that a bunch of new CDs will start coming out, among them Ska Sha, Tabou etc. We’ll keep you posted.

Serge Bellegarde